If you’re craving comfort food that wraps you in a big, warm hug, the Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is your new best friend. This classic Southern dish takes tender cube steaks, coats them in a seasoned crispy crust, and finishes them off with a velvety homemade gravy that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Every bite offers just the right balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Once you make this recipe, trust me, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the authentic taste, perfect texture, and inviting color of this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe. From the spices that bring warmth to the creamy elements in the gravy, every item matters.
- 4 cube steaks: Tenderized beef steaks that are the heart of this dish, perfect for frying to a crispy golden crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for coating the steaks and thickening the rich gravy.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Adds a balanced savory flavor to both the coating and gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the breading.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild heat that complements the other spices perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- 2 large eggs: Combined with milk, they help the flour adhere tightly to the steaks for that ultra-crispy finish.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (plus extra for gravy): Adds richness to the egg wash and creates a silky, creamy gravy.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: For frying, it ensures the crust crisps up beautifully without burning.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Elevates the gravy’s flavor with its indulgent creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the gravy and finishing the dish just right.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Stations
Begin by whisking together the flour with seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl to create a flavorful coating. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 1 cup of whole milk until smooth. This setup makes dipping each steak a breeze and ensures that the crust will be perfectly seasoned and sturdy.
Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks
Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and milk mixture, and back again into the flour. Press the flour firmly onto the steak’s surface so every bite boasts maximum crunch and flavor. This double-dipping technique is a game-changer for extra crispiness in this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks one or two at a time for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil, keeping them crispy and ready for the magnificent gravy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Carefully discard most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup behind. Stir in the butter and melt it, then whisk in 1/4 cup of the leftover seasoned flour from your coating mix to make a roux. Cook this for a minute before slowly whisking in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens into a luscious, creamy sauce. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste, completing this comforting and satisfying Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple to let the star of the show shine. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens each plate. Some cracked black pepper on top adds just the right finishing touch of seasoning and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up that luscious gravy. Green beans or steamed vegetables add a fresh contrast, balancing out the rich and hearty main course. For a more indulgent touch, consider buttery corn on the cob or a crisp coleslaw for crunch and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve the chicken fried steak on a warm wooden board with a small bowl of extra gravy for dipping. You can also stack the steaks atop mashed potatoes for a hearty platter. Adding a side of pickles or a colorful salad can give your presentation a delightful Southern charm that’s both inviting and appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe, store the steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the crust crispy and the gravy silky, so when you’re ready, you can reheat without losing any of that delicious texture and flavor.
Freezing
You absolutely can freeze leftover chicken fried steak and gravy. Wrap the steaks individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag, and store the gravy in a separate container. When frozen properly, they maintain their taste and texture for up to 2 months, so you’ll have a ready-made comfort meal anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat the steaks in a hot oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness, while warming the gravy gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid microwaving the steaks directly as it can soften the crust. This method ensures your leftovers taste almost as amazing as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk in this recipe?
Definitely! Swapping buttermilk for regular milk in the egg wash and gravy adds a subtle tang and extra richness that pairs wonderfully with the savory steak crust.
What cut of beef is best for chicken fried steak?
Cube steak is ideal because it’s tenderized and thin, making it quick to cook and perfect for absorbing the crispy coating and creamy gravy that defines the dish.
How do I make the coating extra crispy?
Double-dipping the steaks in flour and egg mixture, as outlined in the Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe, is the secret to a thick, crunchy crust that holds up beautifully to frying and gravy.
Can I make the gravy without butter?
While butter adds richness and depth, you can make the gravy using only the oil left in the pan if you’re avoiding dairy. Just be sure to whisk thoroughly for a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly. Plus, the result is a show-stopping meal that’s worth every minute you spend in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is pure comfort on a plate and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a fantastic way to bring warmth and flavor to the table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; once you do, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.
Print
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring tender cube steaks coated in a seasoned flour and egg batter, fried to a golden crisp, and smothered in creamy homemade gravy. This hearty main course pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (tenderized beef steaks)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (plus extra for gravy)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful coating for the steaks.
- Mix Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 1 cup of whole milk, creating a wet dip that helps the flour adhere to the meat.
- Coat the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour again, pressing the flour to coat the meat thoroughly for a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks one or two at a time for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Steaks: Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Gravy: Pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup along with the browned bits. Add butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of the leftover seasoned flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Finish Gravy: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the chicken fried steaks hot and generously top with the creamy homemade gravy. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Southern meal.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the steaks by repeating the flour and egg coating steps.
- You can substitute buttermilk for regular milk in the batter and gravy for a richer flavor.
